Using Soil Health Practices to Improve Water Quality

Host:Presented by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Science and Technology National Technology Support Centers

Information

Join to learn how modern agriculture practices can contribute to water quality issues and how soil health management systems can help alleviate water quality concerns

Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (SRP), nutrient and sediment runoff, and eutrophication leading to harmful algal blooms (HAB) are major water quality issues facing farmers. These problems are related to broken carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus (C-N-P) cycles associated with modern agriculture management practices. Soil P storage and plant availability including both inorganic and organic forms are important factors in keeping soluble nutrients and sediment on the land. Major causes of SRP in surface water (weather, tillage, rainwater pH, fertilizer practices) will be discussed. NRCS's four major soil health principles are a possible solution to keeping SRP on the land and out of surface water. Finally, the types of cover crops that will assist in keeping both sediment and soluble nutrients on the land will be discussed.

The information provided on this website is not official U.S. government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the U.S. Government.